Paranoid co-worker

Hi there,

I'm looking for help in dealing with a paranoid co-worker. Several years ago, he had (I think) a stroke, and it caused some brain damage. Since that time he has been very paranoid, thinking people are conspiring against him, and conspiring to get their way in some situations. In one instance he actually punched another co-worker in his office. Everyone knows that he is paranoid, and he has not gotten treatment for it at all because he doesn't think he has a problem.

He often comes over to my desk when my boss isn't around and constantly tells me how he (my boss) doesn't really like me (myself), he's just using me, he doesn't appreciate anyone, etc. etc. I have only been in my current job for the past year and so far I've not seen any such behavior from my boss like the kind this guy describes. (Instead I have only seen the opposite, he's been friendly, understanding and accommodating.) Then he'll go on and on abut how this same supervisor along with a few others constantly try to keep him from transferring to another office, getting promotions, etc. I have tried to just listen and be understanding, but I wish I knew what to do when he starts rambling again about my boss.

Does anyone have any tips on how to handle a co-worker like this?
I hope I have not said anything to upset anyone here.

I have a close friend like that, and these situations can often to lead to a damned-if-you-do damned-if-you-don't situation. If you agree with him or don't say anything, it won't cause any issues with him but other coworkers or your boss may think you are enabling or in agreement.

If you do say something to him, he will just think you are conspiring against him. Given his past history of violence, this is not a good idea. Best course of action is to tell your boss and strain the fact that you don't want it to get back to that coworker out of fear for your own safety.

I have mentioned the problem with my supervisor and he knows what he's like. I have found that if I just go along with what this guy says it's the best way.

He's bitter over the fact that he got laid off from his previous position and had to take another one several hours away from home. He's been with us for 4 years, and that's all I hear about.

Maybe invite him here

He wouldn't come here. He doesn't think he has a problem.

Typical. Sounds a lot like my friend.

Wow...this is interesting. I like my co-workers...it's just that I have some paranoid thoughts toward some of them (but only SOME of the time). And I don't know why this is. I'm not a threat to them (and they are not a threat to me). I'm not even trying for a promotion or anything. But I can get some weird thoughts that some of them are "out to get me" or "talking badly about me" (some of the time).

I have realized lately that I have a mild case of PPD (along with a severe case of Schizoid Personality Disorder). I have come to realize that I am definitely not the only one with problems in my workplace. We all have our issues. I've recently been able to address my issues better (and I have also been able to get a very vague insight into their issues simply by better addressing my own).